Business Administration, Management and Operations at Beaufort County Community College

A first-year earnings estimate of $35,246 against $21,232 in debt suggests a manageable financial starting point, though the picture becomes murkier when looking at the four-year mark. Similar business programs across North Carolina typically produce earnings near this level, which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.60—reasonable by community college standards. However, the reported drop to $29,844 by year four is unusual and warrants scrutiny, as most associate degree holders see earnings growth rather than a 15% decline over that period.

The debt load appears higher than the national norm for business associate degrees ($13,980), though it aligns with what other North Carolina community colleges charge their business students. What's harder to evaluate is whether Beaufort County's outcomes match those of stronger-performing peers in the state—top NC programs like Catawba Valley and Davidson-Davie report first-year earnings in the low $40,000s. Without knowing this school's actual graduate outcomes, you're essentially betting that their results mirror the state average rather than fall below it.

For families considering this program, the year-four earnings dip is the red flag that needs explanation. If graduates are leaving the workforce, switching to part-time employment, or facing limited advancement in Washington's job market, that changes the value calculation considerably. Request placement data and alumni outcomes directly from Beaufort County before committing—the estimates suggest viability, but only actual outcomes can confirm whether this specific program delivers.